Diesel Train

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad is putting its Alco diesel train on the rails this weekend, Nov. 11 & 12. The train, pulled by a diesel engine, runs south about seven miles to the Heisson area, through a 330-foot tunnel through solid rock, with a stop at Moulton Station to visit Yacolt Falls. Excursions depart at noon and 2:30 p.m. from the station in Yacolt, located at 207 N. Railroad Ave. Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Reservations are recommended as space is limited. (…because seriously, who doesn’t love a train ride?)

Tickets are $20 per person, $19 for seniors, $15 for children five to 12, and $13 for little ones two to four. Babies up to age two are free! To buy your tickets and reserve your spot on this popular and scenic train ride, visit www.bycx.com or call 360-686-3559.

The railroad is offering another delicious option: a ride on the “wine train” from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11, in partnership with Moulton Falls Winery, 30901 N.E. Railroad Ave. in Yacolt. After some yummy appetizers at 1 p.m., followed by wine and cider tasting, 60 lucky passengers will board the 2:30 p.m. diesel train. The train will follow a scenic route through Heisson and on to a bridge across the East Fork of the Lewis River. On the return trip, the train will drop passengers back at the winery for live music from 4 to 9 p.m. featuring Doug and Judy Smith and Tom May. The Moulton Falls kitchen will be open that evening, serving wood-fired pizzas, calzones, quesadillas, sandwiches, and salads.

Tickets for the Wine Train package are available at Moulton Falls Winery during business hours or online at www.tickettomato.com. The price per person is $45—or $40 for veterans—and includes appetizers, wine and cider tasting, the train ride, and live music. This is a super-popular event, so purchasing tickets in advance of the day, while not required, is enthusiastically recommended.